Stand-in Gunners captain limps off with an ankle problem in the second half of goalless draw.

Carabao Cup semi-final remains finely poised after a goalless first-leg draw at Stamford Bridge that lacked any of the excitement of last week's pulsating Premier League encounter between these two London rivals

Stand-in Arsenal captain Jack Wilshere limps off with an ankle injury shortly before the hour mark

No VAR reviews are initiated as the technology makes its second appearance in competitive English football, but referee Martin Atkinson receives advice on penalty appeals in each half involving Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Cesc Fabregas

Arsene Wenger watches the match from the press box as he continues to serve an FA touchline ban

Alexis Sanchez appears as a substitute amid latest Manchester City transfer rumours after initially being expected to start the game

Wenger: "You cannot explain every single decision, that is the decision of today"

Nothing to separate these two rivals in a disappointing game that was a pale imitation of last week's captivating league contest at the Emirates.

The decisive second leg takes place in a fortnight. Arsenal face Bournemouth and Crystal Palace before then, while Chelsea take on Leicester and Brighton either side of their FA Cup third-round replay against Norwich.